After Week 1, several teams face significant shifts in the AP Top 25, with Alabama and USC poised to rise while Michigan and Houston could fall.

College football rankings are set for a major shake-up following a thrilling and extended Week 1, with several teams experiencing surprising results that will significantly impact their standings. The usual Sunday projections are delayed until Monday night this week.

LSU's dominant performance against a ranked opponent has them poised for a significant climb into the Top 10, while No. 2 Oregon's narrow escape has put their top-tier status in serious jeopardy. Voters in the AP Top 25 poll are carefully re-evaluating their preseason ballots.

Other notable shifts include Alabama and USC making a case to move closer to the Top 10, while Michigan and Houston face potential drops. These early adjustments signal how teams have measured up against initial expectations, according to reporting by CBS Sports - Headlines.

Oregon's No. 2 Ranking Under Scrutiny

Oregon's tight 34-27 victory over Boise State has cast doubt on their preseason No. 2 position. Despite being one of five teams to receive first-place votes, the Ducks' performance on a big stage fell short of the high expectations for a national title contender.

While head coach Dan Lanning will appreciate the win and quarterback Dante Moore's strong showing, the overall team play left much room for improvement. The thin margins at the top of the college football rankings mean AP voters are likely to move Oregon down at least one or two spots.

Before Week 1, many considered Oregon among the elite contenders. However, Saturday's showing will prompt some voters to reconsider their initial assessment of the Ducks' readiness, making their No. 2 ranking precarious.

LSU Set for Significant Climb in AP Poll

In stark contrast, LSU delivered an absolute throttling of Clemson, a team ranked No. 23 in the Coaches Poll and 26th in the preseason AP voting. Lane Kiffin's Tigers appeared faster and simply in a different league than their ACC opponents.

This dominant victory is expected to alleviate any doubts AP voters had about LSU's potential as a College Football Playoff contender. While there might be a ceiling given the strong top-seven teams, a move into the AP Top 10 is highly anticipated for LSU football rankings.

Depending on Ole Miss's Sunday night result, the Tigers could realistically find themselves as high as No. 8 when the new college football rankings are officially released on Tuesday, making a strong statement early in the season.

Alabama and USC Aim for Top 10 Consideration

Alabama, which started outside the Top 10 for the first time since 2007, made a strong statement with a 48-10 win against ECU. New coach Kalen DeBoer's squad answered concerns about their quarterback position and running game.

Quarterback Keelon Russell flashed dual-threat ability with a team-high 86 rushing yards, complemented by three combined rushing touchdowns from Daniel Hill and five-star freshman E.J. Crowell. While beating a Group of Six opponent won't trigger a massive leap for the Crimson Tide, they are expected to move closer to the Top 10 given tight voting margins.

Similarly, USC, under new defensive coordinator Gary Patterson, secured a 39-0 shutout against Fresno State. With a combined scoring margin of +55 over two games, the Trojans have impressed, and this performance is likely to sway voters who had them ranked lower, potentially moving them up a couple of spots in the college football poll.

Michigan and Houston Face Ranking Drops

Michigan's status as a Top 25 team is under review after a scare against Western Michigan. Despite a last-second 13-12 win, the Wolverines showed nearly three-and-a-half quarters of disappointing play for a projected College Football Playoff contender.

Quarterback Bryce Underwood underwhelmed for much of the game, though he delivered the crucial final throw. Voters may now see Michigan slipping closer to Penn State at No. 18 or even lower, considering their close call and inconsistent performance in Week 1.

Houston also faces a potential drop from the Top 25 despite a 33-20 home win over Oregon State. Although they largely controlled the game, Oregon State managed to cut the lead to six points in the fourth quarter, putting the Cougars on the "chopping block" to make room for other risers in the new college football rankings.

Frequently Asked Questions

When are the new college football rankings released?

The new AP Top 25 college football rankings for Week 2 are expected to be released on Tuesday night, following an extended five-day Week 1 schedule.

Which teams are expected to climb in the AP Poll?

LSU is projected to make a significant climb, potentially reaching as high as No. 8. Alabama and USC are also expected to move up closer to the Top 10 after strong Week 1 performances.

Why is Oregon's No. 2 ranking in doubt?

Oregon's No. 2 ranking is in doubt because of their narrow 34-27 victory over Boise State, which many voters considered an underwhelming performance compared to preseason expectations for a national title contender.

Which teams are likely to fall in the rankings?

Oregon is expected to drop at least a spot or two from No. 2. Michigan, after a close 13-12 win against Western Michigan, and Houston, despite a home win, are also likely candidates to fall or even exit the Top 25.